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Changing up the tank (sand vs gravel)

Bright colors, kids tank.
Well I'm wanting to change it up. Maybe do black substrate add some rock caves. Leave the fake plants. Do I do
Gravel or sand? How do you clean a sand bottom tank? I need to fill out some
Schools but was wanting to do this before I add more fish.

If you are not going to be adding any live plants, then just pick the substrate that looks the best to you

I would recommend sand as I feel it is a little easier to clean. You clean just as you would gravel, but most of the time you do not have to put your gravel vac very deep into the sand to get the crud sucked out. Typically, you just skim over the very top of the sand for a just a routine cleaning, only have to do a deep cleaning everyone once in a while

If you take your time to do the research FIRST, you can successfully set-up and keep ANY type of aquarium with ease."Not using a quarantine tank is like playing Russian roulette. Nobody wins the game, some people just get to play longer than others." - Anthony CalfoFishless CycleCycling with FishMarine Aquarium Info [URL="http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.com/"]

Gravel or sand is entirely up to you. I have one with gravel, one with sand and I don't think it matters. Though I would make a sand bed just a little bit shallower than a gravel bed. As far as cleaning, you'll start to notice that all the gunk just stays on top of the sand so you don't have to dig down into it like you do gravel. Just take your siphon and slowly go over the top, it should pull up whatever is laying on the sand.

Many member here (including myself) have used play sand in there tanks

You just have to make sure you clean it very well before using it, and it will be fine.

If you take your time to do the research FIRST, you can successfully set-up and keep ANY type of aquarium with ease."Not using a quarantine tank is like playing Russian roulette. Nobody wins the game, some people just get to play longer than others." - Anthony CalfoFishless CycleCycling with FishMarine Aquarium Info [URL="http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.com/"]

Umm I would do a natraul smooth gravel, why no live plants? A lot can be under incadescent lights but I don't know what you have, hornwort, javamoss, moneywort, aponegetons

A true aquarist knows what it feels like to step on a sharp piece of graveldo as I say, not as I do- WilliamI think if someone thinks clownfish are called nemos they should banned from keeping sw tank.